Marine Wildlife of Alaska: Kenai Fjords

Marine Wildlife of Alaska: Kenai Fjords

Step aboard and join us this summer for the photography safari of a lifetime through the icy waters, forested coves and stunning alpine scenery of Kenai Fjords National Park. A cornucopia of isolated wilderness, Kenai Fjords is a landscape teeming with wildlife – and due to it’s rugged terrain is largely only accessible by boat.

Our Marine Wildlife of Alaska: Kenai Fjords trip is based out of the quaint but lively historical fishing town of Seward, Alaska. Seward features a lovely small boat harbor and is nestled deep in the mountains on Resurrection Bay. On this trip we stay at the excellent Harbor 360 Hotel right on the Harbor in Seward – you can often photograph Puffins, Otters, Bald Eagles and Harbor Seals right out of your window!

Each day we board our specially designated photography vessel and head out into the mysterious bays and coves of Kenai Fjords National Park. The wildlife photography in Kenai Fjords is second to none and we have chosen this time of year to explore these waters for several reasons. For one – it is the best time for whales. Common species include Humpback Whales and Orcas.

We will also have the opportunity to photograph Seals, Sea Lions and Sea Otters as well as a variety of sea birds including Bald Eagles, Horned Puffins, Kittiwakes and more. Wildlife is everywhere on this journey – and not just marine wildlife. We regularly see Bears and Mountains Goats high on the mountain cliffs and down on one of the many isolated beaches – just beckoning to be explored.

Our highly experienced, Coast-Guard certified crew has been exploring and photographing the deep waters and hidden nooks and crannies of Kenai Fjords for decades – and they know exactly where to find the wildlife. Also our privately chartered boats and small groups allow each photographer the space to maneuver on the boat and ensure the fantastic Alaskan imagery they came to capture!

Created in 1980 Kenai Fjords National Park is HUGE at over 1,000 square miles. It contains about 40 active glaciers – some of which we will approach at a very close distance and likely get a chance to photograph a calving glacier! Several waterfalls and stunning landscape photography opportunities exist on this trip as well.

Each day when we return to port from our adventure out on the water we’ll retire to our warm, well appointed rooms in Seward. Evenings on the town are excellent and our groups dinner are filled with good company, laughter and stories of the day. Seward features some of the best Alaskan Restaurants in the entire North Country (and Alaska is a very, very big place!)

Join us this summer on one of the most unique and memorable wildlife safaris on the planet – a boat based exploration of one of the world’s last Great Wildernesses: Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska.

2019 Departures

2020 Departures

Physical Requirements
All participants must be able to get in and out of an ocean going vessel.

Group Size
This trip is limited to ten participants

Accommodation
We will be staying at a hotel in Anchorage, Alaska on the first night of the trip and the Harbor 360 Hotel in Seward for three nights. The final night is in Anchorage.

Meals

All meals are included during the trip dates. We’ll have a group dinner in Anchorage the first night and then be eating fantastic meals in Seward after that. Excellent lunches are provided on the boat.

Weather
The weather in Kenai Fjords National Park is variable. In past years we have had everything from beautiful, sunny days to overcast with light rain. Daytime temperatures are usually in the 55-65 Fahrenheit range and evenings are usually in the 55-60 Fahrenheit range. Remember some of the best photographs are made before, during and immediately after a storm cycle. There is no such thing as bad weather just poor layering and gear choices – please plan accordingly! For more info on what to bring please email or call us.

Arrive in Anchorage, Alaska and meet the group for a welcome dinner and orientation.

Day 2 (B,L,D)

Today we will travel to the quaint fishing village of Seward, Alaska and board our vessel for the first time. Explore the icy waters and hidden bays of Kenai Fjords National Park and photograph a variety of Marine Wildlife species. After a full day on the water we will return to Seward and enjoy the Harbor 360 Hotel before heading out for an excellent Alaskan-style dinner after a long day on the water!

Day 3-4 (B,L,D)

Each morning we will wake up with a hearty Alaskan breakfast and after coffee head out on our privately chartered vessel to explore the waters of Resurrection Bay and beyond. We’ll explore and photograph calving glaciers and spend quite a bit of time photographing whales, Bald Eagles, Puffins, Otters, Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and more. Lunches are either on a secluded beach somewhere in the park or aboard our ship. In the evenings we’ll return to Seward to warm-up and get have memorable dinners in town.

Day 5 (B,L,D)

Today we’ll join our captain one last time for an exploration of Kenai Fjords National Park. This evening we’ll head back up to Anchorage for a fantastic farewell dinner at one of our favorite local spots in town.

Day 6

You can book flights home anytime this morning – or you can choose to continue the Alaskan adventure on your own if you wish!

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and nature photography we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions regarding wildlife or natural phenomena.

“Wow. Just wow. There is so much wildlife out there it’s unbelievable…and I think Kenai Fjords is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been!”

Erin JohansenSeattle, WA

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Backcountry Journeys

"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris to incredible locales such as Yosemite, Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Utah as well as Botswana, India & Costa Rica."

Level 1
Activities include road-based photography sessions and /or light walks. Sometimes they involve getting into and out of small boats depending upon the trip (all of our standard & boat-based trips are level 1). Walks are generally on smooth dirt trails or paved pathways.

Level 2
Activities include light walking along maintained dirt trails and pathways with your camera gear. Mileage is generally between three and five miles but elevation gain is never more than a few hundred feet.

Level 3
Activities include walking and hiking along trails that may have more significant elevation gain. Mileage is generally between four and seven miles and elevation gain may be up to 1500 feet. Trails may be uneven, rocky and slippery.

Level 4
Activities include hiking on more challenging trails that are steep, uneven and with elevation gain up to 2500 feet. Mileage will vary but can range from five to nine miles.

Level 5
Our most challenging activity level for those who like to really push it! Activities include steep hiking on rough, rugged trails and often in trail-less wilderness areas. Expect significant elevation gain and lots of sweat!

We offer both standard & boat-based photography trips as well as hiker trips that cater to those who want to put on the miles in order to get the shot! Accommodations are always included on Backcountry Journeys trips and we have several different styles that can range from comfortable Lodge-Based trips, Cruises, Wilderness Eco-Lodge trips, Backpacking & Wilderness Camping trips. Read more about our trips styles by clicking below.